For the price EAR 864 is a versatile pre-amp with very good phono stage, tape capable, ample inputs. Tube rolling is preferred with NOS 12AX7s (1 12AU7) tubes (but only 5 total) easily obtainable. It's my back-up pre-amp I purchased in 2005. Phono section loves many cartridges including Dynavector (not Benz) as it has a pre-set low output phono impedance. Great for MMs.
Help, which preamp to buy from my shortlist?
Looking to buy a "near vintage" preamplifier. Between these, which of these do you recommend based on experience (sound quality and build quality)? Or which of these wouldn't you buy based on previous experience? I like all of these based on price, condition and compatibility (input & output impedance, etc.) but can't decide on one (or even two). My source is strictly line level (computer based with DAC).
Nakamichi CA5
Kenwood L-07 CII
Bryston 0.5
Forte F44
PS Audio 5.7
PS Audio 7.0
Meitner PA-6i
B&K MC-101
B&K Pro 10 MC
Quicksilver Remote Preamp (latest 6DJ8 version)
Cary AE-3 (standard, not signature model)
Audible Illusions Modulus L1
Sonic Frontiers SLF-1